SES sends out an SOS for support
MOSSMAN State Emergency Services (SES) is on the hunt for residents passionate about assisting their local community in times of need to join their group.
The Far North volunteer organisation looks after the area from south of Wangetti to the Daintree River and Low Isles to Julatten in the west.
But with only 12 members currently on the books, local controller Stephen Burg said the group needed about 60 members to cover the area appropriately.
He said the education and training benefits that came with joining the SES were huge reasons to get involved.
“We need more members to protect the community,” he said.
“This is a real opportunity to put your hand up, do some exciting work and be truly recognised in our region.”
“What you get out of it is long-lasting friendships, improvements to your employment, or a rock solid pathway to a new job by helping out the community.”
Volunteers learn skills in a range of areas, including flood boat rescue, land search techniques, first aid training, map reading and navigation, working at heights and storm damage response.
Douglas Shire Council Mayor Julia Leu joined the group’s call, saying getting more local members was crucial for the shire during major storm events.
“We were effectively cut off during the huge rainfall event earlier this year and would have benefited greatly from having more SES volunteers on the ground,” she said.
“Council continues to work closely with our local SES and considers a strong relationship paramount to keeping the community safe.
“I encourage residents to make the most of this opportunity to learn new skills, strengthen our community’s resilience and help a really important local service”.
Mossman SES hosts meetings every Wednesday from 7pm. For more information or to sign up, call 4098 2630.